Meet UO community members who contribute to creating greater inclusion and access through their research and professional activities.

Ali Abbors- Master's Candidate in the Environmental Studies Program and 2009 CoDaC Graduate Research Award Recipient

Hometown: Oakland, CA

Story behind your name: Growing up in the East San Francisco Bay, my dad has fond memories of two beautiful Portuguese sisters who lived down the street from his family. When he married a Portuguese woman (my mother) and they had two daughters, they decided to name us Alison and Rosesanna after my dad's favorite neighbor girls.

Family nickname(s) growing up: Schnoodle Doodle Poodle Wooods and Princess Hatudah Socky-onny

Identity on campus: On campus, I identify most with my role as a teacher/GTF. Specifically, my identity and experience at the UO are tied up in my role as a group leader on the Urban Farm. It is on the farm, working in the soil with students, that I feel most at home. On even the most difficult of days, coming to the farm clears my mind and puts me at ease. I came to the UO's Environmental Studies Program with an interdisciplinary interest in food security and food justice. The flexibility of the program and the Willamette Valley's agricultural heritage made this an ideal location to pursue my graduate studies.

Childhood aspiration: I wanted to sing in a band.

What would you be doing or where would we find you if you weren't at work, class, or studying? Most likely in the garden, birding, cooking, playing music, or doing some sort of craft project.

Research interests: Evolving.

Quote you live by: To live outside the law you must be honest. - Bob Dylan

One thing not many people know about you: I sing in a band.

Other things: I am happiest when I'm busy.